A young boy who underwent open-heart surgery after suffering a heart attack as a tot has appeared as the star guest at the Christmas lights switch on at a hospital in Glasgow.
Jack Sneddon, who has been a patient at the city's Royal Hospital for Children 'for as long as he can remember', returned to the facility where he received the life-changing operation to kick off the festive season.
The brave six-year-old had a cardiac arrest on the day he was born, which led to open-heart surgery at just two years old. Jack is currently being treated for heart failure by a team of specialists while he waits for a transplant.
But this week, the youngster was left feeling like 'a wee mini celebrity' after winning the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s bauble design competition and being joined by a life-size version of his snowman creation to switch on the Christmas tree lights.
Jack’s mum Fiona said: "Throughout our time at the Royal Hospital for Children, the staff have been amazing, be it nurses, doctors, cleaning staff, kitchen staff, they have all been so, so good to us.
"We as a family get so much support, I can talk to anyone at any time and Jack gets the best care ever. It’s like a wee family here.
“We have been at the hospital during Christmas time before and it’s different, everyone gets involved. Nobody wants to be in hospital, especially over at this time of year, but the staff so hard to bring the magic of Christmas to the children here. It was so nice to be asked to come and do this."
Jack’s brilliant snowman bauble has already raised thousands of pounds for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, ensuring that children who are spending their Christmas away from home still have a holiday to remember.
Mandy Meechan, Interim Chief Nurse at the Royal Hospital for Children, commented: “At the RHC, we know that no family wants to spend time in hospital, especially over the Christmas period.
"Our staff work so hard throughout the year to provide the highest standard of patient-centred care to the children here and to provide support to their families. At Christmas time we all like to do whatever we can to make this a special time and we hope we can still help put smiles on faces.
"What an amazing snowman design too. I’m sure Jack’s bauble will be brightening up Christmas tree’s all over the country, including mine!"
Kirsten Watson, CEO, said: “Switching on the Christmas lights is a symbolic moment for everyone in the hospital. Jack is the star of our Christmas appeal this year, and we are delighted that he was able to join us for today’s event.
"The tree provides a focal point for the children and their families, reminding them that Santa hasn’t forgotten about them, and allowing them to share the magic of the festive season together.
If you would like one of Jack’s special snowman baubles, click here.
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